Shoplifting Penalties

Common Shoplifting Charges

The most common shoplifting cases New Jersey shoplifting lawyer Carl Spector sees in court are disorderly person’s offenses, which are a lower offense. These types of offenses occur often when someone steals items of minimal value, anything from a loaf of bread in a ShopRite to a belt that’s worth under $200. These can still carry severe shoplifting penalties if not properly defended.

Is It Possible to Have a Shoplifting Charge Downgraded?

The defendant is looking at either a plea or a trial on a disorderly person’s offense. Attorney Carl Spector attempts to get shoplifting penalties for every case dismissed or downgraded to something lower in a plea bargain. If that doesn’t occur, then we’d go to trial. If we win the trial, and you are found not guilty at the acquittal, there is no penalty. .

Penalties for a First-Time and Multiple Conviction Disorderly Person Charge

For disorderly person’s offense you could see up to 6 months in jail and a fine that can go up to $1,000. If found guilty, you will receive at least 10 days of community service; on a second offense, at least 15 days of community service. For a third offense, 25 days of community service. If it’s your third time being found guilty or pleading guilty to a shoplifting in the state of New Jersey, you must serve a minimum term of imprisonment of 90 days in jail.

Are Shoplifting Charges Defensible?

Intent is important in shoplifting cases. If the person did not have the intent to deprive the owner of the property, then that would be a very successful defense that New Jersey shoplifting lawyer Carl Spector can put forth to a prosecutor, and ultimately, in front of a judge. Intent is a very powerful defense, but it has to be coupled with some significant facts to help prove that the person didn’t have the intent to deprive the owner of the property.

Shoplifting penalties can be severe. If you’ve been charged with shoplifting or any type of theft in New Jersey, contact New Jersey criminal defense lawyer Carl Spector for a free confidential consultation. With over 30 years of experience as both a prosecutor and a defense attorney, he has a unique perspective on how both sides think, and how to approach each aspect of the case. For aggressive defense you can count on, call today and let attorney Carl Spector fight for you.